Member countries of the European Union (EU) have been subject to rules on vaping since May 2016.
The Tobacco Products Directive sets out safety and quality requirements for vapes, particularly those with high concentrations and volumes of nicotine.
However, the directive does not ban vapes outright, and member countries are free to set their own rules on their sale and use. In the last few years, new regulations on vapes in individual countries have been moving at pace.
Here we highlight five EU countries with some of the toughest anti-vaping laws.
Hungary
Hungary has strict laws about vaping or smoking in public places. It is illegal to vape in any place where smoking isn’t allowed. Anyone found breaking smoking and vaping laws in Hungary could face a fine from 20,000 to 50,000 Hungarian forints (€50 to €130).
Advertising laws are also strict, with smoking and vaping products banned in local newspapers and magazines, on TV and radio, on billboards, and even on internet advertising.
Hungary has a total ban on the sale of flavoured e-liquids, with only tobacco-flavoured vapes available to buy.
Spain
New laws were recently announced in Spain to toughen vape restrictions that put vapers in line with conventional smokers.
In addition to a ban on smoking or vaping in indoor public spaces, there are fines of up to €2,000 for smoking or vaping on public transport and in certain outdoor places, including some beaches.
Spain has long been one of the cheapest countries to buy cigarettes, but this is set to change under the new regulations, which will include a hike in prices.
Greece
Legislation in Greece means that vapes are subject to the same rules as combustible cigarettes. This includes a ban on smoking in public spaces and on transportation.
New laws are being put in place to prevent businesses from taking advantage of loopholes in smoking regulations.
Many restaurants, cafes and bars with canopies or protective barriers that could still be characterised as open-air spaces will now fall under the smoking/vaping ban, with hefty fines in place for businesses that are found to breach these laws.
Greece also has a number of regulations in place to prevent second-hand smoking among children, including a ban on smoking or vaping at outdoor stadiums frequented by minors. There is also a fine of €1,500 for anyone found smoking or vaping in a private vehicle that has anyone aged under-18s inside.
Italy
Last year, Italy announced new measures against both smoking and vapes. They include a ban on indoor vaping, smoking in open-air places, and further plans to extend advertising ban on all nicotine products.
There are also a number of regional restrictions regarding smoking and vaping. Smoking or vaping is banned outright at bus stops in Milan, while Venice’s Bibione beach was the first to ban smoking. Turin has banned outdoor smoking and vaping unless other people are at least five metres away.
France
A ban on disposable vapes in France is expected to be in place by the end of 2024. The bill was approved with the aim of tackling the rise in vaping among young people.
Currently, you cannot buy e-liquid with higher than 20mg nicotine strength, or a tank or disposable vape that has an e-liquid capacity of larger than 2ml.
Belgium
In Belgium, the same of disposable vapes will be banned as of 1 January, 2025. Vapes with refillable cartridges are not part of the ban.
Vaping or smoking in a vehicle with a person under the age of 18 has been banned since 2019.
